As we move through August and ever closer to the official start of Fall, we’re revelling in the las of the warm weather, longer daylight hours, and pools and patios that might soon be closed to us till next year. I love being at home curled up under a blanket as much as the next person, but with another Canadian winter in our future, why not soak up as many rays as we can before its back to work, back to school and back to reality!
Although Toronto – like many other metropolises – is thought of as a ‘concrete jungle’, its natural geography has a surprising abundance of lush ravines and parks that run like ribbons through the fabric of the City. When you discover these green spaces, the city transforms into a lush oasis that transports you far away from the urban grind, and into a natural paradise.
And Summer is the perfect season to enjoy it.
Whether you’re a fair-weather cyclist (like yours truly!) or a commute-hardened roadie, nows the time to give those wheels as many rotations as possible – by October we might have snow!
In Toronto’s midtown neighbourhoods, one of the best places to explore by bike is the Beltline Trail.
The Beltline Park and Trail are a unique part of Toronto’s parks and ravines. The trail follows an old railway line from Allen Road south of Elm Ridge Drive and west to Mount Pleasant Cemetery. It is a great way to see the city along old ravines and through hidden green spaces. The Park is also a part of the Central Ravines, Beltline and Gardens Discovery Walk, and it’s definitely a hot spot for nature lovers, those who love walking, runners, and of course, cyclists all over the city.
Want to see what you’re in for? This cyclist recorded his trip down a potion of the trail!
Did you know cycling clubs for all ages and abilities abound all over the city? I got my start in cycling with Toronto Bicycling Network, which is Toronto’s largest bicycling club, and is an all-around remarkable source of information – especially for those starting out. An especially friendly group, they offer courses on ride etiquette, safety and tips on technique.
TBN also organizes rides (including ravine rides – some of which include the Beltline) throughout the week and on weekends, as well as super-affordable trips outside Toronto – and if you’re wondering what the group does when it’s too cold or snowy to ride, they host ski outings to various locales outside the city during the off-season. It’s a great opportunity to participate in a community that’s dedicated to fitness and leisure in a supportive and safety-focused environment.
Amazing!
Originally a commuter railway built to service what were then suburbs such as Moore Park, Rosedale, Forest Hill, and Swansea, the Belt Line Railway opened in July 1892, but a recession and competing rail services led to the railway’s closure only 28 months later. Although parts of the railway were purchased and used by other companies over the years, much of the old Belt Line sat abandoned for many years after. In 1972, the city purchased a stretch of the railway east of Allen Road to create what would become the Kay Gardner Beltline Park.
Who was Kay Gardner? She was a local politician who became involved in a campaign to save the former railway right of way from development. But she was best known for advocating for tenants’ rights. She helped lobby the city to save three low-rise rental apartment buildings on Eglinton Avenue West from conversion to condominiums. Among her many accomplishments, she was awarded the Constance E. Hamilton Award, named for Toronto’s first female alderman. The award is given to women in Toronto who have made a significant contribution to helping Toronto women secure equitable treatment, economically, socially, and culturally.
If you’re a runner, much of the trail is unpaved but the solid, well-packed dirt trail offers good running or walking conditions. The playground at Oriole Park, just east of Oriole Parkway, is a great place for kids to play. There is plenty of seating and a few tables under the trees – perfect if you’re in the mood for a picnic.
We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a long summer that lasts well into September. But just in case it doesnt, we’re enjoying as much outdoor recreation as we can – while we can! What a perfect way to escape the stresses of the day!
Instead of heading to a windowless gym and hopping on a stationary treadmill, head out to one of Toronto’s many parks for some fresh air and exercise – I guarantee it won’t feel like a chore!
*Lead image courtesy of OntarioBikeTrails.com – with thanks!
Here’s a property we sold that is just under a 20-minute walk – or 5-minute cycle – from the Kay Gardner Belt Line!
Lucky new owners!
We call it: An Elegant Tudor On Belsize At Bayview In Family-Friendly Davisville Village – NOW SOLD!
415 Belsize Drive is situated in the highly-coveted enclave of Davisville Village, which – being in the centre of the city – boasts a WalkScore of 97 out of 100! Located 4 blocks south of Eglinton East (and the new Leaside LRT stop) and 10 houses west of Bayview Avenue, this quality renovated detached residence is literally steps to South Bayview’s urban village high street.
Here’s an ‘unpack and enjoy’ residence, this 3bed, 2bath heart-grabber offers the intangible beauty of scale, proportion and light in a Triple AAA location. It boasts a finished basement, an outbuilding with extra indoor square footage, and front pad parking. If this is your dream home, we can help you find one just like it!
Here’s a penthouse we SOLD in the area. We called it A Panoramic Penthouse Perch In Forest Hill.
Well-situated in a Triple-A neighbourhood with excellent transit, superb access to green space, and everyday amenities within walking distance, this generous one-bedroom penthouse suite (it used to be two bedrooms!) is over 1000 square feet, with a large south-facing terrace of almost 300 square feet!
This was also the reality for the new owner of A Fresh Factory Redux In The Historic Art Deco Forest Hill Lofts – which we also SOLD!
Like what you’ve read? Consider checking out these Urbaneer blogs on cycling green space:
Born To Ride: Exploring High Park And Beyond By Bicycle
On Cycling In The City Of Toronto: Then And Now
Cycling Love For The West Toronto Railpath
Getting Back To Nature On The Don River
Want to have someone on your side?
Since 1991, I’ve steered my career through a real estate market crash and burn; survived a slow painful cross-country recession; completed an M.E.S. graduate degree from York University called ‘Planning Housing Environments’; executed the concept, sales & marketing of multiple new condo and vintage loft conversions; and guided hundreds of clients through the purchase and sale of hundreds of freehold and condominium dwellings across the original City of Toronto. From a gritty port industrial city into a glittering post-industrial global centre, I’ve navigated the ebbs and flows of a property market as a consistent Top Producer. And I remain as passionate about it today as when I started.
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Thanks for reading!
-The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-800
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